Overview
A professional skier shares his journey of surviving a traumatic brain injury, overcoming depression, and finding new purpose through rehabilitation and supporting others facing adversity.
Accident and Injury
- Four and a half years ago, suffered a severe accident while filming a ski movie due to unexpected wind.
- Sustained a traumatic brain injury with multiple brain hemorrhages, requiring emergency surgery.
- Doctors gave a 50/50 survival prognosis during the first four days after the injury.
- Remained in a coma for about a month and spent the following summer recovering in hospitals.
Recovery and Adaptation
- Graduation party was held in the hospital shortly after the injury.
- Spent significant time in rehabilitation, working extensively to recover lost abilities.
- Learned he could never return to professional skiing, leading to a lengthy period of depression.
- Faced the choice of remaining in despair or fighting back to rebuild his life.
Finding New Purpose
- Chose to fight back, maintain a positive attitude, and embrace failure as part of growth.
- Co-founded the “Fight Back” brand with Florian Lemman, inspired by others overcoming career-ending injuries.
- Exceeded doctors' expectations by walking within six months and skiing again after eleven months.
Achievements and Impact
- Although initial attempts back on skis were difficult, he regained enjoyment in the sport as a hobby.
- Set a personal goal to run a marathon, despite initial physical limitations post-injury.
- Received training from a running instructor after announcing his marathon goal on live TV.
- Has made significant progress toward reaching marathon distance.
Supporting Others
- Has inspired and supported other rehabilitants, sharing his journey and motivation through the “Fight Back Spirit.”
- Helped an ice hockey player with paralysis to regain some mobility and engage in activities.
- Encourages focus on present and future actions rather than what has already happened.